The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced a funding opportunity for the FY 2025 Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, with an application deadline of February 18, 2025. This program aims to support one cooperative agreement valued at approximately $5,625,000 to facilitate an academic exchange for emerging foreign leaders at accredited U.S. community colleges for up to one academic year. Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit organizations and educational institutions with a minimum of four years of experience in international exchange programs. The CCI Program is designed to enhance technical and professional skills in fields aligned with U.S. foreign policy and workforce needs, targeting underrepresented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Proposals must detail participant recruitment, program administration, and the alignment of academic content with global skill demands. The applicants are tasked with providing comprehensive support, including pre-departure orientation, ongoing participant monitoring, and alumni engagement post-program. The initiative also emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and compliance with federal regulations throughout the implementation process.
The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) provides a structured framework for collecting and evaluating data from participants in the ECA's programs to assess their impact. It emphasizes the use of the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, ensuring consistency in performance metrics across programs. Applicants must fill out a prescribed format detailing various indicators – including participant demographics, program engagement, and skill development – along with corresponding survey questions and targets. Data collection will occur post-program, focusing on various performance indicators related to cross-cultural competence, civic engagement, and skills enhancement. The document outlines critical definitions, such as those for participants and host communities, and details the methodology for measuring and reporting on program outcomes. It highlights the importance of alumni interactions, engagement with third-party nationals, and the need for ongoing evaluation to inform future initiatives. The overarching goal is to enhance participants' understanding of democratic values, cultural exchange, and their physical and digital skills while also fostering stronger participant networks. This structured approach aligns with government RFPs and funding requirements, ensuring accountability and effective utilization of resources.
The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) provides a structured framework for collecting and evaluating data from participants in the ECA's programs to assess their impact. It emphasizes the use of the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, ensuring consistency in performance metrics across programs. Applicants must fill out a prescribed format detailing various indicators – including participant demographics, program engagement, and skill development – along with corresponding survey questions and targets. Data collection will occur post-program, focusing on various performance indicators related to cross-cultural competence, civic engagement, and skills enhancement. The document outlines critical definitions, such as those for participants and host communities, and details the methodology for measuring and reporting on program outcomes. It highlights the importance of alumni interactions, engagement with third-party nationals, and the need for ongoing evaluation to inform future initiatives. The overarching goal is to enhance participants' understanding of democratic values, cultural exchange, and their physical and digital skills while also fostering stronger participant networks. This structured approach aligns with government RFPs and funding requirements, ensuring accountability and effective utilization of resources.